Two Tankers Again Attacked in Gulf of Oman, Raising Fears of Wider Conflict

[Valin]

Haaretz

One of the tankers, the Front Altair, carrying a cargo of petrochemical feedstock, was ablaze in waters between Gulf Arab states and Iran

Reuters, Haaretz

Jun 13, 2019

 

Two oil tankers were hit in suspected attacks in the Gulf of Oman, shipping firms and industry sources said on Thursday, sending oil prices as much as 4% higher a month after four other tankers were damaged by limpet mines in the region.

One of the tankers, the Front Altair, carrying a cargo of petrochemical feedstock, was ablaze in waters between Gulf Arab states and Iran. Iran's state news agency said it had sunk, although the Norwegian owner had said it was afloat and its crew were safe.

The other tanker was adrift without any crew. Later, an Iranian port official also denied on Thursday reports that one of the tankers attacked in the Gulf of Oman had sunk, state broadcaster IRIB reported.

The Bahrain-based U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet said it was assisting the tankers after receiving distress calls. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, part of Britain's Royal Navy, said it was investigating with its partners.

(Snip)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

[Valin]

Inferno: A fire rages on board the oil tanker MT Front Altair after it was hit by an explosion in the Gulf of Oman today, in what has been described as a tornado attack 

 

Smoke pours from the Norwegian-owned oil tanker on Thursday after it was hit by an explosion near the UAE and Iran in an apparent attack which has put the Middle East on high alert 

 

One of the oil tankers burns in the Gulf of Oman today following an apparent attack on the two vessels, just four weeks after similar acts of sabotage against Saudi ships renewed tensions in the Middle East

 

H/T Daily Mail

[Valin]

 

 

H/T Arab News

[Valin]

#gulfofoman

[Valin]

Iran responsible for attack on two tankers in Gulf of Oman: Pompeo

luis martinez and elizabeth mclaughlin

Jun 13, 2019, 2:39 PM ET

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said Iran is responsible for the attack on two commercial tanker ships sailing in international waters in the Gulf of Oman earlier in the day.

(Snip)

__________________________________________________________________________